Dreamworld
Gold Coast Information

Opening Times for Dreamworld Gold Coast

Daily:            10.00am to 5.00pm (gates close 5.30pm)
                    Hours are sometimes extended during school holidays.

Exceptions:   Closed Christmas Day 25th December.

Show Schedule Show schedules change regularly. Dreamworld print new sheets virtually weekly so there is no way I can keep up with that! You should receive a current schedule and theme park map when you enter the park. Extra theme park maps can be picked up inside the park.

Dreamworld Gold Coast theme park map on a sign in the park.

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Buying Tickets for Dreamworld

Tickets can be purchased at the gate when you arrive, online or at ticket booths around the coast.

I have not found anywhere that "discounts" any of the theme parks significantly, you might save a couple of dollars a ticket, but generally it is minimal.

The best deals for DreamWorld are by buying a pass or a World Pass that combines entry to White Water World.

You should not pay any more for the convenience of buying tickets online and usually there is a small discount.

One of the main benefits of buying your tickets before you go to Dream World is that you get to go in the pre-paid ticket line. This is usually just as long as the other lines, but much quicker because they are not having to process money at every transaction!  

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Getting To DreamWorld Gold Coast DreamWorld is at DreamWorld Parkway, Coomera, Qld, 4219. It is just off the Pacific Motorway (M1) at Exit 54. It is well signposted whether you are coming from Brisbane or from the Gold Coast. Heading north from Surfers Paradise it is about 23kms and will take about 30 minutes in a car depending upon the traffic.

Dreamworld sign is easy to spot!

 
There is plenty of free parking, so driving is a great option - byo car or hire a car.

Dreamworld Transfers

Con-X-ion are great for transfers directly from your accommodation. Their Roo Pass which is a flexible option including both airport and theme parks transfers.

Surfside Buslines run the public bus sustem on the Gold Coast Tel: 131 230. They run theme park services which stop at DreamWorld.

Translink run the train services which run from Brisbane to Robina. The Coomera railway station is located close to DreamWorld and Surfside provide bus connections.

Personally, I think it is better to pay a bit extra and go with a private service such as Con-X-ion as the public bus service can be frustrating.

If you want to be really decadent you could transfer by helicopter so you don't have to mix with the riff-raff!

More details on transfers to theme parks.

Things To Consider

Food and Drinks According to the Terms and Conditions of Entry to Dreamworld Gold Coast you are not supposed to take food or drinks into the theme park. Looking for the positive! This has the advantage that you don't have to carry anything other than money! Which appeals to me as I am the one who makes the picnics and generally ends up carrying them!

Dreamworld "No Food" sign at the entrance

But of course the disadvantage is that you then captive to what they have to offer in the way of food and drinks and their prices.

If you are doing the thrill rides, you may find that eating is not such an issue, but do make sure you drink plenty of fluids in particular water as this park gets hot even during the cooler months.

Accessibility and Getting Around
There are a limited number of strollers, prams and wheelchairs for hire. There is wheel friendly access to most areas. There are restrictions on some rides, so you will need to check.

Dreamworld Railway

To help get around the park and reduce some of the traipsing around there is Dreamworld Railway.    Central Station is a short walk from the main entrance. There are four stations in total. The other stops are near: Billabong Restaurant Australian Wildlife Experience The Giant Drop.

The round trip takes about 20 minutes and you can get on or off wherever you like.

The train is quite a good way to see some parts of the park - but it only covers about half of it!

Things to Take
You are going to be out and about most of the day, so make sure you have the following essentials:   

• Water Bottle
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses

On some of the rides you have to take off your hat and sunnies, so it is worthwhile having a bag to put them in safely. I carry a rucksack, which is easy and doesn't get in the way too much.

Getting Wet

White Water World is a water park. If you plan on going to both parks, be prepared.

If you buy a World Pass you can use both Dreamworld and White Water World. If you are going to White Water World you will need your swimming gear (trunks, bathers, swimmers or whatever else you call them!) and a towel. Within Dreamworld there are a couple of places you might get wet.

 
Flowrider is a ride where you are in the water - so you will definitely need your togs and a towel for this one.

The two other rides in Dreamworld you may get wet on are the Rocky Hollow Log Ride and the Thunder River Rapids Ride. Make sure you wear appropriate clothing!

Weather
Dreamworld sell plastic capes when it rains - there are places to get out of the rain, but you will need to go between things.  Taking wet weather gear if it looks like rain, will save you a bundle on a one use cape!  

Dreamworld has always seemed hot to me whenever I have been there, so layers are good in the cooler weather and lots of sun protection even on cloudy days.

Money
There are EFTPOS machines and ATMs at Dreamworld, but I find cash easier.  As with any tourist spot you need to be careful with your wallet and precious items. A good rucksack or bum bag (fanny pack for our friends from USA) can be useful.

Within the theme park there are a few places that you have to pay to use - which I personally think is a bit rich given you have paid to get in... but bear this in mind and make sure you have cash if you want to do these things.

Pre-paid Tickets
I always buy my theme park tickets ahead of time, as the pre-paid lines are much faster than those where you have to buy the tickets at the gate.


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Shops at Dreamworld Gold Coast

I'm not really a shopper - but I couldn't help but notice that they have a shop on every corner at Dreamworld! There are the usual theme park  souvenirs you would expect including variations on T-shirts, toys and general souvenirs.   There are 38 different outlets mentioned on the Dreamworld Theme Park Map.

Dreamworld shops seem to be everywhere! This is the Nickelodeon shop.

This covers food, shopping and photos - so you are bound to find something to spend you money on.

There is a shop with motosport gear near the Mick Doohan MotoCoaster, Wiggles gear can be found in the Wiggle World shop and there are plenty of tiger souvenirs from Tiger Island!

Main Street has plenty of opportunity for retail therapy too!

Food in Dreamworld

There are plenty of places to eat around Dreamworld. From a reasonably decent Amore coffee, gourmet sandwich and treats, the usual fast food, right through to sit down restaurant.

Dreamworld Billabong Restaurant is airconditioned and a range of food.

Halal options are available in Billabong Restaurant - it is the only Halal accredited food outlet in Dreamworld. Billabong Restaurant is airconditioned. Beer and wine can also be purchased at some locations, but must be consumed at those premises. You cannot walk around with alcoholic beverages.

You are a captive audience, expect to pay more to eat inside Dreamworld than out. You won't be giving it any "hats" for a Good Food guide, but as theme park food goes, I think it isn't too bad.  

Sweet treats and real holiday food like churrios, fairy floss, popcorn, snowcones and ice-cream are available in a couple of locations too.

I was a bit surprised how early some of the food outlets closed - before 4pm when the rides were finishing at 5pm and the gates closed at 5.30pm.

I saw a couple of water fountains around the park - do make sure you drink plenty of water - bought or from the fountains.

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Where To Stay Close To Dreamworld Gold Coast

Dreamworld is the furthest theme park on the Gold Coast from Surfers Paradise. It is inland and there are not many options really close by.

The closest places will be at Hope Island, Sanctuary Cove and Runaway Bay.

There is the Gold Coast Holiday Park which combines a Caravan Park and 4 star motel accommodation.

This is a popular choice with several different options for those who plan to "do" the theme parks as it is vey close to Wet n Wild, Movie World, Outback Spectacular and Dreamworld.

Another option is Treasure Island Holiday Park at Runaway Bay.

If you do stay out near the theme parks, remember you are not close to the beaches so make sure you think this through before committing to inland accommodation.